Method of controlling the release of carbohydrates by encapsulation and composition therefor

ABSTRACT

A composition of carbohydrates having an edible coating is disclosed, whereby the coated carbohydrate, when orally ingested, causes a time delay release of the carbohydrate into the digestive system. The method of administering carbohydrates in this manner may be useful in the treatment of diseases such as diabetes and exercise programs calling for sustained effort.

This is a division of application Ser. No. 053,944, filed Apr. 26, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,614.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a delayed release encapsulated carbohydrate composition in solid particulate form for use in snacks, candy, dessert mixes, granola bars, energy bars, various beverages, and shelf stable powders.

In the preparation of various foodstuffs and other ingested items, such as vitamins, drugs and the like, such foodstuffs having been encapsulated to provide a delayed release flavor, medicinal action or the like. As stated above, the subject invention relates to an encapsulated and coated metabolizable carbohydrate composition which has a controlled release upon ingestion whereby the carbohydrates are slowly released into the body's digestive tract. This delayed release action can be very helpful in counteracting the effects of diseases, such as diabetes which is characterized by a raised glucose concentration in the blood due to a deficiency or diminished effectiveness of insulin. The disease is chronic and also affects the metabolism of fat and protein. In general, some cases can be controlled by diet alone while others require diet and insulin, and for still others control with drugs is needed.

When controlling the effects of diabetes with diet, the diabetic is advised to control the timing of meals and snacks, control the composition of the food, and monitor the caloric content of the food. The diabetic who eats a high-calorie, high-carbohydrate meal will experience elevated blood glucose levels one-half to one hour after ingestion. To minimize this effect, a physician normally counsels his patient to distribute the carbohydrate load over several spaced snacks and meal occasions. A non-diabetic person could eat a high carbohydrate/caloric meal and the carefully modulated insulin response of his body will maintain the blood glucose levels within normal ranges of 70-120 mg/dl. A diabetic who has impaired insulin metabolic controls has to rely on external control mechanisms, i.e., the timing of meals, the composition of the meals, and the caloric density of the meals. For the more severe cases of diabetes, drugs have been developed which modulate the blood glucose response by interfering with the enzymes which break down starch or sugar in the upper G.I. tract. The effect is to prolong the digestion and absorption of glucose as food traverses the G.I. tract.

Other reasons exist for modulating the blood glucose response, such as the demands of exercise, nutrition and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, an object of the subject invention is an encapsulated carbohydrate composition which causes a timed delay release of the carbohydrates in the digestive tract of the human body.

Another object of the subject invention is a shelf-stable powder capable of being stabilized and suspended in a liquid medium for easier dispersion and a timed release into the digestive tract of the human body.

A further object of the subject invention is a method of encapsulating metabolizable carbohydrates as a time-delay mechanism for ingestion and digestion by a subject in a controlled manner.

These and other objects are obtained by the subject invention wherein the release of carbohydrates to the absorption sites in a G.I. tract of a human is controlled by encapsulating the desired metabolizable carbohydrates (starch, glucose, sucrose, fructose, etc.) in a food or pharmaceutical grade coating. As the encapsulated particle moves down the digestive tract, the coating degrades and slowly releases the carbohydrate. Thus, by coating the food particle, absorption in the upper G.I. tract could be experienced over a one-half to four-hour time period which would help modulate the blood glucose levels and possibly eliminate or reduce the need for a diabetic to snack between meals.

In the method of the subject invention, the carbohydrate may be spray-coated in a coating pan or in a fluidized bed, or coated directly on a rotating disc, all in a manner which provides a substantially equal distribution of the coating on the carbohydrate. Both liquid and solid carbohydrates may be coated by use of appropriate coating techniques. The coated particle is then administered.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the percent glucose released as a function of time.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the method of the subject invention, metabolizable carbohydrates such as sucrose, glucose, lactose, dextrins, pre-gelatinized starches, fructose, maltose and other mono, di, oligo, and polysaccharides which are normally absorbed and metabolized in the digestive tract may be coated with a food or pharmaceutical grade coating such as stearic acid, hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, such as cottonseed, soybean or rape seed oil, calcium stearate, stearyl alcohol and the like. The coating may be from any of various processes, including coating in a coating pan, spraying, fluidized bed, or utilizing the rotating disc method such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,100,592 and 4,675,140.

In the method of the subject invention, the carbohydrate is coated so as to experience controlled, delayed absorption when ingested into the human body. The coated product should result in a shelf-stable powder with particle size range of 30 to 1,000 μm. The actual size of the particle would depend both on dissolution rates desired and organoleptic characteristics of the food system in which it is administered. In general, where a smoother textured food is required, such as beverages, a finer particle size range (75-150 μm) would be utilized. For food systems where the food is masticated, larger sized particles could be used (+150 μm). Because the active component is encapsulated by the method of the subject invention, the resulting coated particles would be relatively inert and bland in both aroma and taste. This would allow the coated particle of the subject invention to be incorporated in a variety of foods without affecting the characteristic properties and flavors of the food.

The coating set forth above could be selected to be compatible with the components and preparation of the food. For instance, ethyl cellulose, a non-food ingredient, could be selected for foods containing free fats or oils and elevated preparation temperatures of up to 100° C. Hydrogenated tallow and stearic acid coatings would be suitable where temperatures do not exceed 60° C. and significant quantities of free lipids are not present.

In the following example, several methods of coating carbohydrates are set forth where the in vitro release rates of some of the products which have been obtained by such coating, are shown.

Example 1

Coating of Glucose with Stearic Acid in a Coating Pan

D-glucose was sieved to obtain 250 g of a fraction which passed through a 300 μm sieve but was retained by a 177 μm sieve. This was placed into the coating pan such as is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry to coat tablets. In order to have a sufficient amount of material in the pan for proper mixing and coating, it was found necessary to add another solid which was of a larger size so that after coating, it could be separated from the glucose. Approximately 500 g table salt of about 420 to 500 μm was used for this purpose. Stearic acid, 375 g, was dissolved in 1875 ml of hot (75° C.) ethanol.

The pan was set to rotate 50 to 55 RPM. A two-fluid nozzle was connected to a hot air supply which was regulated between 15 to 22 psi. The ethanol solution was supplied to the liquid side of the nozzle at a rate of about 10 ml/min. Room temperature air was blown into the pan to help evaporate the ethanol. Samples were removed from the pan after 20, 30, 40 and 50 parts of stearic acid had been sprayed per 100 parts of solids being coated in the pan.

After 50 parts were sprayed, the solids were separated by sieving. The fraction 75 to 420 μm was tested except for the highest level of coating where the fraction of 180 to 300 μm was also tested. To test the release, 2 g of the coated sample was shaken in 100 ml of water in a 250 ml plastic bottle (approximately 1 inch travel 60 cycles/min). Periodically, approximately 3 ml of the solution was withdrawn and the concentration determined by measuring the refractive index of the solution relative to that of pure water (differential refractive index). After the measurement, the solution was returned to the bottle. After 1 day, the particles were filtered out of the solution and crushed with a mortar and pestle. The crushed particles were combined with the solution and concentration was measured again. This represents the concentration corresponding to 100% of the glucose released. To obtain the percent glucose release, the glucose concentration in the solution at any time was divided by the concentration corresponding to 100% released. The loading was calculated by dividing the concentration corresponding to the 100% of the glucose released by the concentration corresponding to 2 g uncoated glucose in 100 ml.

FIGURE 1 shows the percentage of glucose released from the particles of Example 1 versus time. It may be seen that when the amount of coating increases, the rate of release is decreased. And that the time scale may be adjusted to release the glucose in a time corresponding to the residence time in the gastro-intestinal tract by suitable adjustments in the process.

Example 2

Coating on a Rotating Disc With Solutions of Polymers

The rotating disc allows rapid coating of particles. Approximately 100 g glucose passing a 125 μm sieve but being retained by a 75 μm sieve were slurried into 200 ml solution of acetone 4 parts to 1 part of ethanol containing 7.5% w/v ethyl cellulose and immediately poured into the central opening of a rotating vaned disc (8 inches in diameter with 24 vanes) rotating at 10,000 RPM. The particles were dry and were immediately collected. When tested for release, the 75 to 300 μm fraction which had a payload of 89% (11% coating) corresponding to an average wall thickness of 9.6 μm released 82% of its glucose concentration in 5 minutes and 97% in 20 minutes. This coating thus shows only slight protection and would not be sufficient on its own but may serve as a prime coat. A second coat is a hot melt coat containing tristearin, which is applied by spraying from solution. Other fats and fat-like substances, including triglycerides such as tristearin, tripalmitin, trilaurin or glyceryl behenate or mixtures thereof, diglycerides and monoglycerides as well as free paraffin wax, bees wax, carnauba wax, and microcrystalline waxes allowed as part of food or drug components. Proteins may also be utilized as a second coating and may be egg albumin, casein, zein, or soy proteins. Semi-synthetic polymers may also be used and include ethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose phthalate. Synthetic polymers also are possible for use as a second coating and include acrylate copolymers approved for coating of medical forms for oral ingestion. Application of these materials may generally be accomplished by spraying from solution, dispersion or emulsion, as appropriate.

Example 3

Coating on the Rotating Disc With an Edible Hot Melt

A hot melt was prepared as follows: 26 g stearic acid was melted and heated to 150° C. 10.5 g ethyl cellulose (7 cps) was dissolved in it. 103 g hydrogenated tallow was added and the liquid brought to about 85° C. 70 g of the product from Example 2 passing a 150 μm sieve but being retained by a 75 μm sieve was added to the melt and stirred in to make a homogeneous mixture. The rotating disc used in Example 2 was heated to 80° C. and turned on to rotate at 10,000 RPM and the slurry poured into the opening of the disc at the rate of about 300 ml/min. Two fractions which represented together 83% of the product were tested 75 to 150 μm and 150 to 300 μm. The payload was 34 and 44% respectively. In 5 minutes, the release rate was 51.4 and 20.5%, in 20 minutes 61.2 and 34.7% was released, in 80 minutes, 74.3 and 65.6% was released. After 5 hours, 81% of both fractions were released.

Example 4

Coating of Glucose in a Fluidized Bed With a Solution of Ethyl Cellulose

750 g anhydrous glucose, passing a 300 μm screen but being retained by a 177 μm screen was placed in a fluidized bed (6 inch diameter) where it was fluidized with air from below. Ethyl cellulose was dissolved in acetone ethanol 4/1 by volume to make a 3% w/v solution. The solution was sprayed with a two-fluid nozzle using air at an air pressure of 25 psi and a liquid rate of about 8 ml/min. It was sprayed on until 5.4% of coating was deposited. The 75 to 300 μm fraction was tested. 46.8% was released in 5 minutes, 72.6% was released in 20 minutes, 91% was released in 80 minutes.

Example 5

Coating of Fructose in a Coating Pan with Stearic Acid

Fructose was sieved to remove particles smaller than 420 μm. 650 g of this was placed in the apparatus described in Example 1 and coated with stearic acid by spraying a 20% w/v solution in ethanol as in Example 1. A sample removed from the run had a payload or glucose content of 75.9%. In the standard release test, it released 45.1% in 10 minutes, 48.2% in 1 hour, 64% in 3 hours, 91% in 19 hours.

Example 6

Coating corn Starch With Hydrogenated Tallow on the Rotating Disc

40 g stearic acid (Witco Hystrene 9718) was melted and heated to 135° C. 20 g ethyl cellulose (Dow, Ethocel of 7) was dissolved in it. Then 140 g of hydrogenated tallow (Kraft) was added and dissolved. 100 g corn starch Mira-Gel 463 (Staley) was dispersed in the melt and sprayed with an 8-inch diameter vaned disc at 10,000 RPM. 245 g of product was collected.

The particles of product ranged from about 30 to 300 μm in size. The original starch granules are about 15 μm; therefore, several of the granules make up a product particle glued together by the hot melt.

To determine the active content, the product was ground with a mortar and pestle and 1 g placed into cellophane tubing with a 6000 molecular cut-off. Also into the tube was placed 30 ml water 0.05 ml BAN 120L amylase, 6 units (Novo Nordisk) and 2 ml AGM 200 L amyloglucosidase 400 units (Novo Nordisk). 1 unit of amylase breaks down 5.25 g of soluble starch per hour at 37° C. and pH 5.6. 1 unit of amyloglucosidases hydrolyses 1 micromole of maltose per minute at 25° C. and pH 4.3. The ends of the cellophane were tied, and formed into a U-shape and immersed into 300 ml of acetate buffer of pH 4.5. The buffer was stirred with a magnetic stirrer and thermostatted at 37° C. 5 ml samples were taken from the buffer after 12, 24, and 48 hours, frozen and analyzed with the Hitachi 747 glucose hexokinase method. A calibration with glucose in the presence of the enzyme is necessary. The amount of glucose liberated from this sample was 49% of that of the uncoated Mira-Gel and did not change appreciably after 12 hours.

To determine the rate of available glucose in a simple simulated digestion, we proceeded as above, except 821 mg of unground product containing 403 mg of starch was used. The buffer was sampled at 20 minutes, 1 hour, 4 hours and 8 hours after the start of the experiment. The samples were frozen and later analyzed. The coated MiraGel starch showed the following release:

    ______________________________________                                         Time          Coated Starch                                                    ______________________________________                                         20 minutes    14%                                                              1 hour        32%                                                              4 hours       72%                                                              ______________________________________                                    

Controlled release of carbohydrates from pre-gelatinized starch granules obtained from other starchy foods would also be achievable by the above encapsulation methods. This would include starches obtained from cereals, such as wheat and rice, and from starches obtained from root crops, such as potato and tapioca.

Diabetes patients who are taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs are prone to low blood sugar reactions especially during or after exercise or increased activity. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia is defined as a blood glucose level below 50 mg/dl and is potentially a very serious, acute complication of diabetes. A normal blood sugar range is generally 70 to 120 mg/dl. Symptoms of hypoglycemia range from shakiness, light-headedness and tachycardia to headache, blurred vision, poor coordination and eventually to loss of consciousness and death. There are two main counter-regulatory hormones that help the body recover from hypoglycemia: glucagon and epinephrine. Decreased hormone secretion in people who have had diabetes for several years can cause more frequent low blood sugar reactions and more difficulty in noticing that blood sugar is low.

To exercise safely, diabetics often have to increase food intake either before, during or after exercise. Exercise of moderate intensity (doubles tennis, leisurely biking, golfing) requires about 10 to 15 grams of carbohydrates per hour of exercise. One to two hours of strenuous activity may require 25 to 50 grams of additional carbohydrates. A beverage or snack bar with controlled release carbohydrates lends itself to preventing low blood sugar during and after exercise.

Controlled release carbohydrates (CRC) may be described as a shelf-stable powder with a particle size range of 30-1000 μm. Products in which a smooth, non-gritty texture was desired would utilize the finer particle size range. Products which are granular or have large particles could utilize the larger particle size range.

When the active components are encapsulazed according to the subject invention, CRC powders are relatively inert and bland in both aroma and taste. This will allow CRC to be incorporated in a variety of foods without affecting the characteristic properties and flavor of food. Alternatively, colorants and flavors can be added to coatings to improve consumer acceptance. Emulsifiers can be incorporated as part of coating to aid in dispersion in the food system.

CRC powders in which the coated carbohydrate is readily water soluble releases its load by a diffusion process as it transits the digestive system. Therefore, these products would have to be prepared by mixing in a liquid system or a viscous food system, e.g., yogurt, and consumed 5-15 minutes after preparation.

CRC powders may be prepared in which the coated carbohydrate is a pre-gelatinized starch. The carbohydrate load would be released by hydration, swelling and reaction with the digestive amylases. Hence, CRC powders based on starch granules would have extended stability in liquid systems. This would extend the food application to RTE foods (puddings, yogurts, frozen novelties) and ready to drink beverages.

CRC powders could be added to food products which are low in water activity-dry beverages, nutritional beverage powders, dessert mixes. Product would be prepared according to recipe and consumed.

CRC powders could be used as a sole source of carbohydrates in the food or in combination with uncoated rapidly absorbed carbohydrates.

CRC powders are designed to release the bulk of their carbohydrate payload within approximately four hours after ingesting. Release times significantly longer than four hours would incur the release of excessive carbohydrates in to the large intestine. This would affect the osmotic water balance and increase the risk of bacterial fermentation leading to increased gas formation and laxation.

Calculation of Caloric Delivery for CRC Materials

CRC products are produced by coating glucose granules with stearic acid as in Example 1. Glucose payload would be approximately, 75% and coating thickness would be adjusted to give 80% release within 1-4 hours after ingestion.

Based on the above parameters, each 100 kcal of energy from glucose released would require 41.7 g of material.

Calculation

100 Kcal/4 Kcal per gram glucose=25.0 g glucose 25 g/0.75 payload delivery=33.3 g CRC at 100% release 33.3 g/0.80 release factor=41.7 g CRC at 80% release

The carbohydrate load and release rate can be adjusted to individual nutritional needs and product application.

Examples of different caloric deliveries using the above example are listed below:

Product Applications for Controlled Release Carbohydrates

1. 25.0 g CRC delivers 15 g CHO and 60 kcal energy.

2. 41.7 g CRC delivers 25 g CHO and 100 kcal energy.

3. 50.0 g CRC delivers 30 g CHO and 120 kcal energy.

Nine ounces of prepared beverage is formulated to provide 22 g of readily absorbable, uncoated carbohydrates plus 30 g of controlled release carbohydrates. The CRC material is encapsulated to release as follows:

    ______________________________________                                         Time      CHO Released Calories  Total Calories                                ______________________________________                                         Start exercise                                                                           22 g         88         88                                           60 minutes                                                                               15 g         60        148                                           120 minutes                                                                              15 g         60        208                                           ______________________________________                                    

This controlled release beverage would support two hours of strenuous exercise. If a diabetic wants to support three hours of moderate exercise, such as a round of golf, he or she would only drink 6 ounces of beverage. This would provide:

    ______________________________________                                         Time      CHO Released Calories  Total Calories                                ______________________________________                                         Start exercise                                                                           15 g         60         60                                           60 minutes                                                                               10 g         40        100                                           120 minutes                                                                              10 g         40        140                                           ______________________________________                                    

While there will always be individual differences between people, this product would generally enable the diabetic exerciser to maintain a blood sugar level between 100 and 180 mg/dl, providing they start in this range.

By incorporating CRC into a snack bar similar to an "energy bar" or "granola bar," similar release rates could be obtained. Although there may be a limited amount of CRC granules crushed through chewing, the bulk will be ingested intact as part of the swallowed bolus. The quantity of readily absorbable carbohydrate released by chewing would be factored into the requirements for the calories required at the start of exercise.

The caloric load in the above 9 oz. beverage sample could be incorporated in a single bar scored into 3 parts. For two hours of strenuous exercise, the subject eats the whole bar. For three hours of moderate exercise, the subject eats two of the three parts, with additional carbohydrate left for future consumption. Alternatively, the carbohydrate load might be delivered in 3 separate smaller bars.

Hypoglycemia can be a serious problem for a diabetic during the night--usually around 3 a.m. A bedtime beverage which is taken 1/2 hour before sleep is formulated to provide 15 g of uncoated carbohydrates for normal absorption and 15 grams of CRC for slow release.

    ______________________________________                                         Time      CHO Released Calories  Total Calories                                ______________________________________                                         Start sleep                                                                              15 g         60         60                                           60 minutes                                                                               5 g          20         80                                           120 minutes                                                                              5 g          20        100                                           180 minutes                                                                              5 g          20        120                                           ______________________________________                                    

This will prevent a significant fall in blood glucose during the night for those who have exercised vigorously during the day and are at risk of hypoglycemia for up to 30 hours after the exercise. If the blood sugar is well controlled, the overnight blood sugar will remain within the acceptable range of 70-140 mg/dl. Individual variations exist and release curves and levels would be adjusted based on individual medical needs.

The product made with CRC may contain other nutrients, e.g., fiber, vitamins, and minerals to provide additional nutritional benefits.

Example 7

Artificially sweetened powdered soft drink with 42 grams coated glucose in 8 oz of beverage.

    ______________________________________                                         Coated glucose from Example 1                                                                       42.00  g*                                                 Guar gum             .40           (.10-.60)                                   Aspartame            .04           (.02-.10)                                   Citric acid          .30           (.10-.60)                                   Trisodium citrate    .26           (.15-.40)                                   Dried citrus flavor  .24           (.05-4.0)                                   Red #40              .01           (.005-.15)                                  Polysorbate          .01           (.005-.03)                                                       43.26  g                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Add powder to 8 fl. oz. of cold water and shake or stir thoroughly and drink. *100 kcal from glucose--25 grams glucose

Using the above example, uncoated sugars such as fructose, glucose or sucrose could be added to deliver a portion (10-50%) of the caloric requirements and the level of coated glucose decreased correspondingly.

Example 8

    ______________________________________                                         Coated glucose of Example 1                                                                         21.00  g*                                                 Fine Granular Glucose                                                                               22.00         (5.0-50.)                                   Guar Gum             .40           (.10-.60)                                   Aspartame            .04           (.02-.10)                                   Citric acid          .30           (.10-.60)                                   Trisodium citrate    .26           (.15-.40)                                   Dried citrus flavor  .24           (.05-4.0)                                   Red #40              .01           (.005-.15)                                  Polysorbate          .01           (.005-0.3)                                                       44.26  g                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Formula delivers 12.6 g of carbohydrate from CRC and 22 g of carbohydrate from glucose.

Example 9

    ______________________________________                                         Instant chocolate pudding                                                      ______________________________________                                         Coated fructose of Example 5                                                                        42.00  g                                                  Pregel. corn starch  18.35         (12-24)                                     Monopotassium phosphate                                                                             1.80          (1.4-2.2)                                   Tetrapotassium pyrophosphate                                                                        1.80          (1.4-2.2)                                   Mono and diglycerides                                                                               .70           (.4-1.0)                                    Cocoa powder         12.00         (8.0-16.0)                                  Aspartame            .28           (.2-.4)                                     Vanilla flavor       .07           (.01-1.4)                                                        77.00  g                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Recipe:

Pour mix into bowl. Add 2 cups cold skim milk and blend for 2-3 minutes with beater. Pour into serving cups. Chill. Makes four 1/2 cup servings.

Example 10

    ______________________________________                                         Snack Bar                                                                      ______________________________________                                         CRC Example 1    25.00  g        (5.0-50.)                                     Glucose          7.00            (4.0-10.)                                     Granola cereal   8.75            (4.0-10.)                                     Vegetable        2.00            (1.0-4.0)                                     Glycerine        1.50            (0.5-3.0)                                     Water            1.00            (0.5-3.0)                                     Sweet whey       1.00            (0.2-2.0)                                     Lecithin         .15             (0.5-.30)                                     Cinnamon         .15             (0.5-.30)                                     Flavoring        .10             (.02-.20)                                                      46.65  g                                                      ______________________________________                                    

Formula delivers 15 g carbohydrate from CRC and 15 g untreated carbohydrates from glucose and the granola cereal blend (rolled oats, wheat, glucose syrup).

Example 11

    ______________________________________                                         Dark Chocolate Bar                                                             ______________________________________                                         CRC (Ethyl cellulose coating                                                                       25.00   g      (5-40)                                      15 g carbohydrate)                                                             Sucrose             25.00          (15-35)                                     Chocolate liquor    28.20          (10-35)                                     Cocoa butter        21.00          (10-35)                                     Lecithin            .50            (0.2-1.0)                                   Natural Flavor      .30            (0.1-0.6)                                                       100.00  g                                                  ______________________________________                                    

Formula delivers 15 g carbohydrate from CRC and 33 g carbohydrate from sucrose and chocolate liquor.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed:
 1. The method for the maintenance of acceptable blood sugar levels in diabetics comprising the steps of:a) coating with a time delay release coating a carbohydrate selected from a group consisting of sucrose, glucose, lactose, dextrins, pregelatinized starches, fructose, maltose, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides whereby the size of the coated carbohydrate is about 30 to about 1000 μm, said coating being substantially evenly distributed about said carbohydrate, said coated carbohydrate being shelf-stable; and b) orally administering said coated carbohydrate to a diabetic, whereby said coated carbohydrate is slowly degraded in the digestive tract of the diabetic for a controlled release of the carbohydrate substantially only in the digestive tract.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of coating includes coating so as to reach a particle size of 75- to 500 μm.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of coating includes coating so as to reach a particle size of 150- to 300 μm.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the step of coating includes a coating procedure selected from the group consisting of spraying, pan coating, fluidized bed coating and using a rotating disc.
 5. A method for the controlled administration of metabolizable carbohydrates in the digestive tract of a subject comprising the steps of:a) preparing a carbohydrate particle; b) forming time delay release coating on said particle so that the size of the coated particle is from about 30 μm to about 1,000 μm; and c) administering the coated particle to a person, whereby the coated particle slowly degrades substantially only in the digestive tract, and in a controlled manner releases the carbohydrate for absorption and digestion.
 6. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of coating includes coating so as to reach a particle size of 75- to 500 μm.
 7. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of coating includes coating so as to reach a particle size of 150- to 300 μm.
 8. The method of claim 5 wherein the step of coating includes a coating procedure selected from the group consisting of spraying, pan coating, fluidized bed coating and with a rotating disc.
 9. The method of claim 5 wherein said core is selected from the group consisting of sucrose, glucose, lactose, dextrins, pregelatinized starches, fructose, maltose, monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. 